• calendar_month November 12, 2024
• folder Tips

California is a road-tripper’s paradise, offering scenic routes that span coastlines, vineyards, mountains, and deserts. Whether you’re looking to cruise along the Pacific Ocean or explore rugged mountain terrain, these scenic drives reveal California's diverse beauty. Here’s your guide to the best scenic drives in California, categorized by landscape to help you find the perfect route.

Coastal Drives

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

Nothing says California quite like the Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching along the edge of the continent, this iconic highway offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Highlights include the majestic Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, panoramic ocean views, and the golden beaches of Malibu. This drive is a must for anyone seeking California's quintessential coastal experience.

17-Mile Drive, Monterey Peninsula

For a shorter but equally stunning route, 17-Mile Drive in Monterey is the way to go. This drive is famous for its stunning coastline, golf courses, and the iconic Lone Cypress tree perched on a cliff. With stops at Pebble Beach and Seal Rock, this route is ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Wine Country Drives

Napa and Sonoma Valley

If lush vineyards and rolling hills are what you’re after, head to Napa and Sonoma Valley. Here, rows of vineyards stretch across the landscape, creating picturesque scenes that change with the seasons. Autumn brings golden leaves to the vineyards, adding a romantic glow to the countryside. It’s a perfect route for wine lovers and those who appreciate scenic beauty.

Mountain and Alpine Drives

Highway 395 - Eastern Sierra

Highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra is a journey through some of California’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. This route passes by Mono Lake, where tufas rise from the water, and the June Lake Loop, which comes alive with vibrant fall colors. With alpine lakes, hot springs, and the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, this drive offers a taste of high-country adventure.

Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive

Encircling Lake Tahoe, this drive offers views of one of California’s clearest and most beautiful lakes. The route winds through forests and around bays like Emerald Bay, where you’ll find turquoise waters framed by snowy peaks. This is a wonderful drive for year-round beauty, from summer beach stops to wintery mountain views.

Desert and Unique Landscape Drives

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s vast, otherworldly landscape makes for a one-of-a-kind road trip. The park features sweeping sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful rock formations like the Artist’s Palette. Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, is a must-see. This drive through the desert offers unique photo opportunities and an unforgettable sense of solitude.

Route 66

Route 66 in California is a journey through classic Americana. This historic highway takes you past quirky desert towns, vintage signs, and old-school diners. It’s a step back in time, with scenic desert landscapes and a touch of nostalgia.

Each of these scenic drives offers a unique way to explore California’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the incredible sights that await you along these unforgettable routes. Whether it’s the coastal cliffs of Big Sur, the vineyards of Napa Valley, or the salt flats of Death Valley, California’s scenic drives are calling your name.